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Die jaar het op ’n hoogtepunt afgeskop met prof. Jonathan Jansen, ons Visekanselier en Rektor, wat die eerstejaars en hul ouers by die Callie Human-sentrum op die Bloemfontein-kampus ontvang het. Ander gebeure wat tot dusver kleur aan die jaar verleen het, sluit onder meer in Jool, die eerstejaarsswemgala en -atletiekbyeenkoms, asook die begin van die Varsitybeker-reeks. By een van die gesprekke, aangebied deur ons Internasionale Instituut vir Studies in Ras, Versoening en Sosiale Geregtigheid was Willemien Marais, dosent in die Departement Kommunikasiewetenskap; Zubeida Jaffer, Inwonende Skrywer van die universiteit; en prof. André Keet, Direkteur van die instituut. Personeel kon ook luister na prof. Leon Wessels, voormalig van die Menseregte Kommissie, wat oor Politiek en Versoening gepraat het by een van die instituut se gesprekke. ’n Ander hoogtepunt vanjaar was die Harmonic Brass Munich wat met hul koperblaasklanke personeel, studente en die Bloemfontein-gemeenskap betower het.
“O ur university’s mission rests on two pillars – the Academic project and the Human project. The Academic project is our determination to go against the trend in the country to tell young people
that you can pass Grade 12 with 30% and 40% and be told that with such results you can do a Baccalaureus degree here at the university. That is wrong; that is dangerous; that is not the way we should go.
“Although we have a long way to go, the foundations have been laid. I am very grateful for the fact that the Senate and the Council of the university give one hundred percent backing to this important project,” said Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the university.
The university is also very committed to the Human project and is serious about giving students a solid academic start. “The fastest growth at our university is on our South Campus, which has been exclusively set aside for young people who need another year or two to study and to enter the mainstream programme. We cannot simply say that this is a university only for the six-A students; it also has to be a university for the students who, through no fault of their own, have been failed by us as adults,” he said.
Prof. Jansen said that we have full enrolment on the South Campus. The students there get intensive small-group instruction and they do much better. They become the lawyers, and the teachers, the doctors and the architects just by taking an extra year or two as we make up for the dysfunction in the public school system.
He said that our university has worked with 23 schools for a year in areas like accounting, physical science, mathematics and languages. Some of the schools, like Bainsvlei Combined, moved through one year of support from a 30% matric pass rate to a 100% matric pass rate. “I wish to congratulate our project schools for their determination and their success as partners of the UFS,” he said.
“We cannot allow the schools to send us children and then we tell them to go away. We have to make sure that the children come prepared to study at our university. Therefore I want you to think of the Academic project as setting a high standard, not dropping the standard, but enabling all our children to reach the standard, so that when they go and practise, whether it is in economics or in law, they are the best candidates available.
“However, the Human project is not an excuse for poor behaviour. It sets the standard for good behaviour. The Human project is not an excuse for bad behaviour. In fact, it is a reason and a standard set for good behaviour.
“We still have a long way to go, but I have been astounded by the mutual observations of Justice Goldstone, Oprah Winfrey
and Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu as they walked across this campus; amazed by how our students have come together to live up to the ideals of the Human project; by how our young people come together across the boundaries of disability, of national origin, of race and gender, of sexual orientation and find one another as human beings.
“As I often say, if the future of this country depended on you adults, I would switch off the lights, but since it depends on your children, I can tell you there is enormous hope and reason for hope in our country and this university will be a place that insists on human decency, on respect, on how to treat women, on how to love your brother and your sister across all of our historical divides,” he said.
Prof. Jansen announced that a staff development plan for non-academics beyond 2012 will be implemented. He also announced that a new plan will be implemented at our Qwaqwa Campus during the course of this year.
“This year we will implement our placement of our brightest young academics and I am very grateful that we have had astounding responses from, among others, Yale University and in particularly the Yale Medical School and Law School, Cornell University, Stanford, UCLA and others, that will place the young post-Ph.D. academics who are our outstanding future A-rated scientists and scholars of this university. In this regard I believe we will be competitive as we wait to hear the announcement on the new research chairs for the country.
“I do want to congratulate all of you on enabling these amazing achievements. For the first time in our history we have more than one hundred rated scientists with the National Research Foundation, and as the former President of the NRF, I am sure that this will be music to your ears, our distinguished Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele. For the first time our research, both in books and in unit articles, just shot through the roof as people started to get the message that we are serious about scholarship of the highest order.
“Finally, to all of you who have achieved and will achieve welcome to the 2012 academic year,” he said. - Lacea Loader
Amptelike nuusblad van die personeel van die UVOfficial newsletter of the staff of the UFS Maart 2012
Foundations have been laid
The best and the widest diversity of students in our country and from other countries must
study at Kovsies. The future generations of South Africa must have a university that they
can go to that takes academics seriously.” These were some of the words delivered by our Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof.
Jonathan Jansen, during the official opening of our university last month.
Brief van die redakteur
Dumela is compiled by the Division Strategic
Communication at the University of the Free State
Editor:Leonie Bolleurs
051 401 2707 or [email protected]
Compiled by:Cindé Greyling
Design and layout:SUN MeDIA Bloemfontein
All Facebook quotes are published as they appear on
Facebook.
12 | Us making a difference 13 | Heads up
Dr Ntababeleng Rammile
6 | Lifestyle
10 | Centre spreadJustice Richard Goldstone
deta
ils
4 | Koppie koffie met ...Dr. Marieka Gryzenhout.
Iemand het eendag gesê die enigste ding wat altyd konstant is, is verandering. Fisikus William
Pollard het ook die belangrikheid van verandering ingesien: “Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.”
By ons universiteit is verandering altyd ’n insentief vir verbetering. Ook in die geval van ons
nuusbrief Dumela. Tydens ’n fokusgroep waarheen ons kollegas genooi het, asook met ’n opname,
het ons probeer vasstel of Dumela nog aan jou verwagtinge voldoen. Aan die hand van julle kommentaar oor die inhoud van ons personeelnuusbrief het ons besluit om ’n paar veranderinge aan te bring – en vir Dumela ’n nuwe baadjie aan te trek.
In hierdie uitgawe kan jy uitsien na nuwighede soos René-Jean van der Berg, ’n nuwe kollega by Strategiese Kommunikasie, se rubriek My ma sê ôk so. Hoe werk dit? verduidelik ingewikkelde sake soos ’n salarisstrokie of jou pensioenfonds en Leefstylwenke help jou om na jou gesondheid om te sien.
Dan is daar ook Make the difference, waar ons fokus op projekte in die gemeenskap, want een van ons universiteit se fokusareas is tog die Menseprojek. En met Heads up gee ons akademici wenke oor hoe om jou breinkrag optimaal te benut. Ons gaan jou ook met elke uitgawe kortliks aan van ons kollegas voorstel sodat hulle meer as net ’n naam en gesig is wanneer jy hulle raakloop.
Julle het ook versoek dat ons ook meer oor ons kollegas van Steundienste skryf. Ons het so gemaak
en julle kan onder andere kennis maak met Marcus Ingram en Angela de Jesus.
Laat weet ons wat jy van die veranderinge in die Dumela dink. Ek hoor graag van jou. Skryf vir my by [email protected]
Dit alles om jou nie net meer tuis te laat voel by ons universiteit nie, maar ook meer ingelig, so al geselsend.
Groete
Leonie
1012
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Itumeleng Percival Morolong, CUT in Bloemfontein, writes:
I would hereby like to express my sincere gratitude for the kind of exceptional service I received from UFS staff this morning.
Olga Oliphant and the two ladies who were with her, and Gillian Hurford from the Card Division (Finance Section) greeted me with a smile and efficiently helped to activate my library card as an external user.
At the Faculty of Education, Ms Motaung, Ms Maretha Lazenby and Mr Andrew Barclay went out of their way to deal with my enquiry into furthering my studies at their faculty.
Lastly, but not the least; a lady at the Information Centre was very friendly. She is the one who directed me to the Faculty of Education.
I cannot find words to express how thankful I am that I was helped by these extraordinary individuals.
The kind of service I received has endeared UFS to my heart forever.
Thank you and kind regards.
What’s hot in social cyberspace?By Lelanie de Wet
You liked:We are extremely proud of our Shimlas. They won against CUT – 23 likes!
Hermann and Prof. Jonathan Jansen with the media after he received his formal Guinness World Record certificate – 19 likes!
Not even the rain could stop the Rag festivities … Jakkals trou met Wolf se vrou! – 19 likes!
Comments from first-years:I am excited to be here! ☺ Busie Pearl Sibeko
Happy to be here as well, and I love the service. Ntsako Bra-tsa Maswanganye
It feels gd 2b here … Dankie Kovsies! Aaron Wise-Man Machotola
It is a good place to be … Dantsha! Dashing Tsholofelo Lawrence-Laurentius Hlalele
Happy about the new residence on Qwaqwa Campus:Such a sweet residence, siysbulela! Unathi Zangwa Zikhali
Thankx 4 showing people our heaven. Khulekani Mlaba
Congratulating Prof. Maryke Labuschagne on her awardI think I like this professor. Should get in touch for my community engagement project. Thabani Nyawo-Sambane
Maryke, jy maak ons sooo trots!! Louise van den Berg
like • comment • share 739 25
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editorial and letters
Quintin Koetaan.
Reflections on the recession
I met Prof. Hentie van Wyk years ago when I entered his class dreading accountancy. However, he quickly allayed my fears. He is not only a master in his field, but also a master at making it accessible. That is why I wanted to know: How do you handle your finances in this recession?
E k is oud. Voor my tyd. En dit is alles prof. Jansen se skuld.
“Julle sal almal met respek behandel. Dit is ‘tannie’ en ‘oom’ of ‘meneer’ en ‘mevrou’. Die personeel
is nie ‘jy’ en ‘jou’ nie,” het prof. Jansen dit uit die staanspoor duidelik gemaak toe hy die eerstejaars nou die ander dag verwelkom het.
Ek kon nie help om aan oor’le Ouma Soes, my grootmaak-ouma, te dink nie. Dit was ook haar beleid.
“Al is’it nie djou ma se suster of djou uncle se vrou nie. Dis ’n grootmens en djy sal met respekte praat,” het sy gesê en met haar oumensvinger vir jou op jou voorkop gedruk.
Die Kovsie-familie het my ingesluk. Sommer gou. So ’n paar maande gelede daag ek hier op. Met oë groter as ’n bang eerstejaartjie s’n. Maar soos dit in familie gaan, ondersteun en help almal mekaar. Veral as dit jou tannie is.
Die ge-tannie-sêery van die studente was vir my vreemd. Vreemder selfs om “mevrou” genoem word. Dit het my ’n paar weke geneem om op te hou om na my ma te soek – sy is immers ’n tannie én ’n mevrou.
Maar as jy besef waar dit vandaan kom, raak jy gewoond daaraan. Jy voel selfs asof die studente
na jou opsien en omsien – want dit is wat Kovsies ’n familie maak.
En al geniet ek dit om die studente se “tannie” te wees, probeer ek toe eendag om soos een van my kleinniggies en –neefs te wees. Sonder grimering en met gekrulde hare daag ek dié dag vir werk op. Plat skoene, jeans en ’n gemaklike hempie. Soveel anders as my klerewinkel-kantoordag. Net dalk kan ek vir een dag nié ’n tannie wees nie.
Maar moet nooit die noodlot probeer uitoorlê nie – selfs al is dit om net vir een dag jonger te lyk.
So vergeet ek dié oggend my kar se ligte aan en teen die namiddag is daai battery so pap, my kar se toeter wil nie eens werk nie.
Ek staan verwese in die parkeerarea en slaan my oë op na die Hoofgebou.
Waar sal my hulp vandaan kom?“Tannie, het Tannie hulp nodig?” vra nog ’n
kleinnefie toe skielik langs my.
P rof. Hentie was prepared. Like always. Moreover, he has a passion to share it. Like always. “The first step is a budget. A budget is the foundation of your success. And budgets are hard work ... it will not immediately balance; it is going to require some effort,” he said. And when it does not balance, Prof. Hentie indicates, one’s options are to cut on some expenses or earn more. “However, to earn
more, your outputs have to increase. Like often earning an additional income after hours. However, then you might run the risk of burnout. Therefore, budgeting is all about balance – balancing your budget, as well as your life,” he added.
But how do you cut down on expenses? You have to determine what is essential and what is less essential. Don’t buy what you cannot afford; especially not with a credit card. “Write down exactly what you owe on your credit card. Keep a record of each purchase. Also, if possible, try to get rid of your credit card debt,” he said.
Few of us remember to budget for those small incidents that unexpectedly cross one’s way; a car that breaks down; a geyser that packs up. Prof. Hentie recommends that you save on a monthly basis in order to build up an emergency fund to carry you through crises. It is a much better solution than withdrawing money from the bond on your house. And yes, simply by paying off more on your bond you can save thousands of rands.
At the end of the conversation, Prof. Hentie shared his life philosophy: “Don’t ever doubt in someone’s ability. Also, don’t ever let someone realise that you doubt his/her abilities. Then you can unlock the most incredible potential.”
Do you doubt your own ability to handle your finances? Remember, it is in your hands. So, how does your budget look?
Phot
o: Ig
no v
an N
ieke
rk
Prof. Hentie van Wyk.
By Igno van Niekerk
My ma sê Ôk soDeur René-Jean van der Berg
René-Jean van der Berg.René-Jean van der Berg is Senior Beampte: Mediaskakeling by ons Afdeling Strategiese Kommunikasie.
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Dr. Marieka, wat al talle toekennings verwerf het, is tans ’n senior lektor in die Plantpatologie-afdeling in die Departement Plantwetenskappe. Sy het haar eerste twee grade aan ons universiteit voltooi en ongeveer twee jaar gelede teruggekeer nadat sy by Tukkies gestudeer en gewerk het. Haar navorsing fokus op die biodiversiteit van fungusse, die sistematiek (hoe om fungusse te benoem) en die diagnostiek van plantpatogene (die toegepaste deel van sistematiek, dit wil sê, hoe om belangrike patogene in die veld te identifiseer en op te spoor). Dr. Marieka beskik ook oor ’n Y1-gradering van die Nasionale Navorsingstigting.
Sy was onlangs een van die navorsers wat die Kosibaai-streek besoek het om die DNS-strepieskodering van die area se unieke plant-, dier- en nou ook swamlewe as deel van die Toyota Enviro-uitreikprogram te doen. Die oogmerk met DNS-staafkodering is om bioloë te help om hulle
voorkeurorganismes op só ’n verantwoordelike en sistematiese wyse te katalogiseer dat dit ook internasionaal relevant en toeganklik vir ander is, verduidelik sy. “Die belangrikste ding is dat ’n mens dit nie in isolasie doen nie; ’n mens word deur die infrastruktuur en netwerke van ’n groot internasionale konsortium gerugsteun. Dit baan die weg vir allerhande moontlikhede, want dit maak dit makliker om elementêre bio-ontdekking te doen en organismes te identifiseer.
Hoogtepunte wat die projek betref, was om elementêre opnames in ’n streek van Suid-Afrika te onderneem waar lewe vantevore nie behoorlik gekatalogiseer is nie, asook om saam met soveel passievolle bioloë te werk en gedagtes uit te ruil. “Sulke uiteenlopende bioloë kom selde met mekaar in aanraking, want die meeste van ons is só gespesialiseer, dog ons stel almal in biologie belang. Die mediablootstelling wat aan die biologiese wetenskappe verleen is, is ook wonderlik!”
Dr. Marieka se belangstelling in swamme het ontstaan toe haar dosent by die universiteit, prof. Mike Wingfield, tans aan Tukkies verbonde, haar aan hierdie vreemde, wonderlike wêreld bekend gestel het. “Ek wens meer mense kon besef hoe uiters interessant swamme is,” sê sy. Sy voel ook dis heel gepas dat mikologie ’n driejaargraad regverdig ... nie slegs ’n sesmaandekursus nie!
“Mense ignoreer mikrobes omdat hulle dit nie verstaan nie, of bloot nie daarvan weet nie,” sê dr. Marieka. Haar boek, Pocket Guide Mushrooms of South Africa, kan lig werp op sommige van hierdie raaiselagtige organismes, waarvan daar meer as 171 500 spesies in Suid-Afrika alleen bestaan. Sampioene behels duidelik heelwat meer as ’n medium- tot halfgaarbiefstuk!
Dr. Marieka Gryzenhout.
Foto
: Anj
a Au
cam
p
Soveel meer as sampioeneDeur Cindé Greyling
Hulle noem haar Fungi … en sy gee glad nie om nie! En
waarom sal sy? Want baie min mense weet hoeveel pragtige, interessante en stimulerende dinge daar in die wêreld van
fungi bestaan, sê dr. Marieka Gryzenhout oor die organismes
waaraan sy haar bynaam te danke het.
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Top emerging researchers for our university
Our university received 39 applications for the prestige
doctoral bursaries and postdoctoral fellowship programmes in the various research clusters this
year. Eight were awarded in three clusters. Six of the recipients are
from South Africa, one is from North America and the other is from Europe. They all obtained
their degrees cum laude.
Each year, the prestige doctoral bursaries and postdoctoral fellowships are awarded to the most accomplished young and emerging researchers in the country for graduate studies and research within focus areas. The programme was started in
2009 and offers bursaries worth more than R100 000 for each category. The prestige doctoral bursaries are valued at R150 000 per annum for a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral fellowships are valued at R200 000 per annum for two years.
Dr Joyce Moloi (34), a former lecturer in our Department of Plant Sciences on the Qwaqwa Campus, received a postdoctoral fellowship in the cluster: Technologies for sustainable crop industries in semi-arid regions. She moved to the Bloemfontein Campus at the beginning of the year and is currently working hard on two projects exploring ways to stabilise wheat quality in changing climates.
Dr Moloi said working with plants is not what she planned for her life: “I wanted to become a doctor.” But while doing her B.Sc. degree, she realised that she loved plants. “It is the key to life and it provides for us.” Dr Moloi said the postdoctoral fellowship provides an excellent platform. “I want to become a good researcher and improve my publication record.”
Another young researcher who wants to improve her publication record is Marcele Vermeulen. The 30-year old was commended for her well thought out proposal during the interview process in November 2011.
Marcele received a doctoral bursary in the same cluster as Dr Moloi. Her project will focus on Amaranthus hypochondriacus, better known as marog, and its fungal endophytes and pathogens. “The plant has great potential as a crop in South Africa, due to its ability to grow under marginal conditions and its high nutritional value.” Marcele, a University of Pretoria graduate, enjoys the fact that working with plants gives her the opportunity to be outside but adds that she would love to persue an academic career at a later stage.
Dr Joyce Moloi.
By Amanda Tongha
To care for art …By Igno van Niekerk
Photo: Igno van NiekerkFor almost 25 years, Arie Kuijers was the curator of art at the university. When Arie reflects on his years here, it is with absolute gratitude that he was able to spend so much time with something that has been close to his heart ever since he can remember. Art.
F ew people are aware that for many years, the university had one of the only art galleries of its kind in the Free State. That was in the days before Oliewenhuis started hosting regular exhibitions. Arie explains: “I’m referring to non-commercial galleries. Our main purpose was to host exhibitions that were more than loose works of art. The whole exhibition should tell a story. Every part of the exhibition should relate to the whole. We wanted to tell stories, not
show individual works of art only.” Exhibitions were aimed at creating opportunities for art students as well as lecturers.
Our university owns wonderful art, including the Claerhout pieces in the CR Swart Building, the wonderful Johannes Stegmann Gallery,and the latest addition, the Centenary Complex’s art gallery. Arie remembers how fantastic it was when our university’s management decided to keep both the Stegmann Gallery and provide space in the Centenary Complex. “Yes, that was a highlight for me. That was a great decision.” Arie smiles. “You know, there are paintings in the collection that have visited more countries than I have. And every time they are exhibited, it’s another wonderful advertisement for the university.”
And yes, there were some truly memorable moments. Like the time when a rainstorm bucketed down in Bloemfontein and Arie and one of his colleagues had to race through the rain to take paintings off the walls of the CR Swart Building. The roof had started leaking and the paintings were in danger of being severely damaged. Arie also remembers how he had to label pieces of art for an exhibition on Chinese art. “Not easy!”
During his tenure, Arie saw transformation in art and in life. He saw change, progress and the liberation of art. And what would he like to share after all these years? What is the one thought that lingers? “It’s easy. I want to thank all the people who made it worthwhile.”
Arie Kuijers.
Phot
os: A
man
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Marcele Vermeulen.
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D ie kinders, ons jongste Kovsies, se ouderdomme wissel van drie maande tot ses jaar. Hulle is die eerste groep kleintjies wat by die Little Professor-kindergarten
klasloop, wat sy deure op 9 Januarie vanjaar oopgemaak het. Omtrent 90% van die kinders is dié van kollegas aan ons universiteit.
Die Little Professor-kindergarten, geleë naby die Furstenburg-ingang, is gebou nadat personeel in ’n opname aangedui het dat hulle graag hulle kinders naby aan hul werkplek sou wou hê. Dit spog met goedtoegeruste klaskamers en dis duidelik dat die kleintjies se belange voorkeur geniet. Hiervan getuig
Ricka van Kerkhoff, die Hoof van die kindergarten, wat met haar eerste besoek aan die skool moes uitvind badkamers het net kinderhoogte wasbakke!
Die mini-toilette en wasbakke is natuurlik nie die enigste aanduiding dat dit ’n skool vir piepklein professore is nie. Gepas vir ’n kleuterskool is daar hope speelgoed, van ’n kamer vol bromponies tot ’n groot, groen wurm in een van die klaskamers. Teen die mure hang prente van Disney-karakters.
Ricka, wat haar werk as “die beste in die wêreld” beskryf, sê teen die tyd dat die skool heeltemal voltooi is, gaan dit na ’n karnaval lyk. Swaai- en-speelrame word nog aangebring.
Die kindergarten spog verder met hoogs gekwalifiseerde onderwysers en maak voorsiening vir ses klasse. Daar is een klas vir babas en ’n klas vir elke jaargroep tot en met ses jaar. In die baba-klas staan ses wiegies, toegerus met tegnologie wat nie net ’n goeie slaap waarborg nie, maar ook stimulasie bied vir die professore in wording. Die kindergarten se slagspreuk is immers Preparing little minds for greatness.
Klasgelde by Little Professor beloop R1 150 per maand en die onderrigtaal is Engels.
Wie sê jy moet tot aan die einde van jou skoolloopbaan wag voordat jy universiteit toe kan gaan? Sekerlik nie die sowat 100 kinders by die Little Professor-kindergarten op ons Bloemfontein-kampus nie. Hulle het nou wel nie enige kwalifikasies nie, maar van speelgoed, kleurskemas en diere kan jy hulle niks vertel nie!
’n Nuwe nessie op kampusDeur Amanda Tongha
Foto’s: Amanda Tongha
W hy does every consecutive year feel like the wheels are coming off? We are not even close to halfway through this one and it feels like we need a December break already! Fortunately, you can do
something about it. Take back your energy and enthusiasm and enjoy the life you are supposed to have!
The main solution lies in moderate exercise. Exercise is medicine! Since the worldwide organisation Exercise is Medicine® had its African launch on our campus on 14 and 15 March 2012, new hope has jump-started numerous people. The Wellness Committee of our Health and Wellness Centre took the initiative.
The aim of this model is to help improve the health and well-being of people through either a doctor or other health care provider’s prescription for regular physical activity. Research proves that exercise has a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of more than 40 chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, obesity and hypertension.
Exercise can also be a powerful complement to traditional medical intervention and, in many instances, may allow a physician to significantly reduce a patient’s drug dosage or eliminate the need for medicine altogether.
Moderate exercise enhances oxygen enriched blood circulation, providing nutrition to the vital organs and removing from the body toxic substances caused by harmful environmental chemicals in food, water and a stressful lifestyle. It also releases the “happy
hormones” that restores energy and well-being. However, always consult your physician before you start your exercise programme.
The most important thing is to get going! More information is available on www.exerciseismedicine.org
“It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” – Hans Selye
You don’t need to suffer pain to gainBy Anton Smit
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“I like it all. I like THEM all. Some people think I only prefer a certain type but everyone is at risk …” While saying this, Aids presents a file containing the latest data. A cunning smile appears. “Don’t ask me names. I don’t bother with
that. My mission is to spread my disease (HIV). And thus far I must say I’ve been quite successful.” It thinks about this for a short while, then moves on to the figures.
“According to the Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) mid-year population estimates of 2011, the estimated overall HIV prevalence rate is about 10.6%. This means that 5.38 million people are living with HIV.”
Studying the report thoroughly, one notices that since 2006, the increase in HIV prevalence was only 0.1% year on year. Aids try to shy away from this. “Yes, South Africans are becoming more educated and practicing less risky sexual behaviour.” That cunning smile is
back. “But can you see that an estimated 16% of South Africans between 15 and 49 years old are HIV positive? These are the people in their child producing years. So yes, let’s see what will happen.”
What WILL happen?It is estimated that about 63 600 new HIV infections will be
among children 14 years and younger. The South African National Aids Council (SANAC) will implement a new National Strategic Plan on HIV/ Aids and tuberculosis (TB) in April this year. With this the government plans to decrease and eliminate new HIV and TB incidences.
Aids sneers. “Did they also mention that this will cost about R131 billion? Did they consider the fact that many health clinics in rural areas struggle with staff shortages and anti-retroviral medicines not being delivered on time? This is where I take a gap. With the help of my blood relatives, STIs, and my close friend TB, I really plan on taking as much as I can …”
– an interviewwith Aids
By René-Jean van der Berg
“I like it all ...” “So you want to know more about me …” it said by means of introduction. With one swift movement it positions itself comfortably. Aids is alert. Nothing, and no one, escapes its eye.
Photo: Stephen Collett
One year down! Many more to go
Our International Institute for Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice has outgrown its baby shoes and had a jam-packed first year of activities.
The institute was launched in January 2011 with the task of finding solutions to the complex and challenging work of social transformation in South Africa. A year later our institute is well on its way to establishing itself as a premier international site for research on race, reconciliation and social justice.
During the year many intellectuals and public figures, locally and from abroad, have walked the corridors of the institute. Some of the highlights were the honorary doctorates conferred on Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Oprah Winfrey. Others were Polish author Eva Hoffman, Gaza doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish and chef of former president Nelson Mandela, Anna Trapido.
The institute also started a series of critical conversations on crucial topics affecting the
human and political landscape in South Africa. Lihlumelo Toyana, one of the visitors at these critical conversations, said the institute remained a courageous voice that many have been longing for. “It is a safe space in a sense that it gives people from all walks of life a room to engage in as equals. Through the work of the institute, I believe the minds of many can be changed,” she said.
Prof. Francois Tolmie, Dean of our Faculty of Theology, also praised the work done by the institute. “We appreciate the exciting initiatives on very important issues for the academia and society taken by the institute during the first year.”
Many more intellectuals and public figures are expected to visit the institute this year. Amongst them are Public Protector Thuli Madonsela (17 April 2012), and Nobel Prize winner Nadine Gordimer. See the calendar on our website for more details. - Amanda Tongha and Leatitia Pienaar
O ns Welstandskomitee in die Sentrum vir Gesondheid en Welstand slaan die spyker op die kop: ’n bekostigbare, maklike en tydbesparende manier om nuwe woema in jou lewe te bring. Weg
met negatiwiteit! Weg met chroniese moegheid en ’n opsie van simptomatiese medikasie om elke dag deur te sien!
Sedert die welstandsprojek verlede jaar van stapel gestuur is, het heelwat mense aanvanklik skepties teenoor die begrip “oefening” gestaan. Hoe meer studente en personeel egter daarby begin inskakel het, hoe groter het die algemene ervaring van ’n “nuwe lewe” geword.
Ons besef almal dat daar tog waarheid steek in die geykte uitdrukking “’n gesonde liggaam huisves ’n gesonde gees.” Dit is egter ons volgepakte daaglikse programme wat ons dikwels laat besluit om weinig of geen ruimte te laat vir ons gesondheid en welstand nie. Oefening ter wille van gesondheid
verg tog selfdissipline en ’n langtermyndoelwit om ’n gehalte-lewe te lei.
Die uitdaging lê egter in ons ingesteldheid. Ons wil dikwels ons oefentyd uitstel tot later. Later is dikwels wanneer ons min of geen lus of energie oor het nie. Dit is dus belangrik om jou matige oefentyd só te beplan dat dit jou energievlakke ’n hupstoot kan gee, in plaas daarvan om jou uit te mergel.
Dr. Annette Prins, Adjunk-direkteur van die Sentrum vir Gesondheid en Welstand by ons universiteit, in samewerking met ’n groot aantal dissiplines in die veld, het vanjaar begin met ’n welstandsprogram, “Wake up to wellness – Take control! Dr. Annette nooi almal uit om van die fasiliteit gebruik te maak. “Die Sentrum vir Gesondheid en Welstand se deure staan oop vir jou. Jou welstand en gesondheid is vir ons net so belangrik soos wat dit vir jou moet wees. Verskeie aspekte oor ons gesondheid en welstand sal deur die loop van die jaar onder die loep geneem word.”
Verdere besonderhede oor die volledige jaarprogram is verkrygbaar van Arina Otto by [email protected], of Liesl Botha by [email protected].
Neem nou ’n besluit vir jou gesondheid en welstand – jy het net een lewe!
Belê in jou gesondheid. Kom sluit by ons aan vir Pilatus elke Maandag en Woensdag van 13:00 – 13:30 onder in die Callie Human-sentrum.
Nuwe welstandsprojek bring kampuswoemaDeur Anton Smit
Foto
: Anja
Auc
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One of the famous visitors to the institute was Oprah Winfrey.
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World-renowned author visits UFSProfs. Johan Bouma and Erika Michéli visited our Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences in January 2012. Prof. Bouma is an emeritus professor in Soil Science from the Wageningen University in the Netherlands. This world-renowned author and expert in the field of hydropedology, advised on the future possibilities of research in this regard at our university.
Prof. Michéli is head of the Soil Science Department and Vice-Rector of International Programmes at the St. Istvan University in Gödöllő, Hungary. Together with Marta Fuchs, she visited Prof. Cornie van Huyssteen, from our Department of Soil and Crop and Climate Sciences, as part of the NRF-funded South Africa Hungary research cooperation agreement. They are researching the correlation between their respective national soil classification systems and the World Reference Base for soil resources. - Cornie van Huyssteen
UV se landbou-ingenieurswese gaan ’n groot bydrae lewerPlanne is reeds ver gevorder vir die vestiging van ’n Departement Landbou-ingenieurswese in ons Fakulteit Natuur- en Landbouwetenskappe. Die eerste studente vir studie in hierdie rigting word reeds vanjaar gekeur.
’n Departement Landbou-ingenieurswese sal nie alleen ’n groot bydrae lewer om behoeftes in die sentrale deel van Suid-Afrika aan te spreek nie, maar kan ook die derdestroominkomste van die UV verhoog. Die finale goedkeuring vir die totstandkoming van die departement moet nog deur die UV-raad verleen word.
Die departement sal op voedselsekuriteit en die doeltreffende benutting van energie in die landbou fokus.
As voorloper vir die vestiging van die departement sal ’n B.Sc.-graad in Ingenieurswetenskap vanaf 2013 ingestel word, met die eerste studente in die B.Eng.(Agric.)-graad wat in 2014 sal inskryf. ’n Loodsprojek vir die inskrywing van studente in geselekteerde modules in die B.Sc.(Eng.Sc.)-program begin reeds vanjaar. - Leatitia Pienaar
Postgraduate students receive guidance on research methodsOur Postgraduate School opened its training programme for 2012 with a lunch-hour presentation by Prof. Annette Wilkinson from our Centre for Teaching and Learning. The presentation targeted emerging scholars interested in developing their research supervision skills.
Her presentation focused on assisting students with the delineation of their research topic. She encouraged supervisors to make use of interactive, structured methods to guide students in their research. “Many candidates failed to develop in-depth knowledge of the literature in their research field. Some students do not know how to locate the relevant sources and once they find literature on the relevant topic, do not know what to do with it,” she said. - Khethiwe Biyo
Genus Kockiozyma a pleasant surprise for Prof. LodewykResearchers in Thailand honoured Prof. Lodewyk Kock from our Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology. They named a yeast genus, Kockiozyma, in his honour for his contributions to yeast systematics. A genus is a category of classification ranking below a family and above a species and generally consists of a group of species exhibiting similar characteristics. - Leatitia Pienaar
Praise for success of UFS’s Metagenomics PlatformOne of our flagship projects, the Metagenomics Platform headed by Prof. Esta van Heerden, was visited by management and staff of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) with the opening of its regional office in Bloemfontein. The platform is a major project funded by the TIA.
The TIA was established by the Department of Science and Technology to enhance South Africa’s capacity to translate a greater proportion of local research and development into commercial technology products and services.– Leatitia Pienaar
Start them youngLittle Professors is Kovsies’ brand new day care centre. Phelekwa Mpono from Strategic Communication asked some of our staff and students to give their opinion on this exciting project.
Nontombi Velelo - Junior Lecturer at the Department of Sociology: The Little Professors is conveniently situated on the campus. It makes it easier for parents to work, attend classes and go fetch their children in the same yard. I love the fact that it socialises little children into education and a higher one at that. The children will now grow up with the knowledge and concept of a university from early on. And hopefully they will grow up with the desire to attend university too. I will definitely take my children there.
Rochelle Williams – Assistant Officer, Information Centre: I read and heard about an elementary school to be opened on our campus last year. I even know where it is. It is a bit costly for me but I would have loved to take my child there. I was hoping it would cater for children until grade 3 to ensure they complete that specific phase in one school of good quality and high standards. I am hoping that, in the future, staff could be subsidised as part of staff benefits.
Tarryn Jacobs – third-year BA Corporate Marketing and Communication student: I find the Little Professors very convenient and it serves a good purpose. I am able to attend classes, work on campus and still fetch my child in the same yard. The facilities are of such good quality that my little one thinks she is in a park. My child is at ease and gets the necessary guidance through each growing phase. I know she is in the best hands.
Chantel Kader and her daughter Kyra Ishmael – Akasia Resident Head: I am satisfied with the services rendered by Little Professors. The teachers are friendly and professionally trained. The infrastructure and premises look beautiful and inviting and I would definitely advise other parents to make use of this option. This initiative also makes me proud of Kovsies – being pioneers yet again. Just imagine how great it would be to have a junior primary school in future!
Brenda Leonard – Little Professors Assistant: Working with four- to five-year-olds is not just fun and games! But I love it and plan on pursuing a career in teaching. What a rewarding job. The children are a true blessing and my colleagues are wonderful. At the moment there are 20 kids in our colourful classes – busy learning about their bodies! Thanks to Little Professors, I know what I want to do with the rest of my life. When I do have children of my own, they will attend school here.
Chantel Kader
Nontombi Velelo
Rochelle Williams
Brenda Leonard
Tarryn Jacobs
Phot
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hele
kwa
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� As thousands of people made their way to Bloemfontein for the ANC Centenary celebrations, media, public servants and VIP accreditation was handled at our Bloemfontein Campus. Our South Campus was the venue for a state-like banquet. With the events happening on our campuses, the UFS was mentioned in publications such as Cape Argus, Business Day, Citizen, Volksblad, Daily News, City Press and on SABC channels.
� At the end of last year it was reported that Kovsies received a record number of 13 000 applications for studies in 2012. It was also reported that this year’s first-year students would attend a core-curriculum course called UFS 101. The abovementioned stories that included news about our registration process were covered by Volksblad, Sowetan, The New Age, Mangaung Issue, Free State Times, OFM and SABC stations such as LesediFM.
� Prof. Maryke Labuschagne not only represented our university but also the country when she won the Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Award for Life and Earth Sciences. Volksblad, BayFM, KingfisherFM, Citizen, The New Age, Ons Stad, Newsnow and Nuusnou all reported her achievement.
� Rag was a colourful event as always and was splashed on the pages of Citizen, Bloemfontein Courant, Free State Times, Volksblad and Bloemnuus. OFM also reported on the event.
� One of the biggest events at our university this year was the awarding of an honorary degree to Justice Richard Goldstone
at our official opening in February. The event was covered in Volksblad, Pretoria News, Saturday Star, Business Day and The New Age. Broadcasters like OFM, RSG, SAFM, Radio 2000, 5FM, metroFM, e-News, Kyknet e-Nuus and the SABC channels also covered the event.
� Hermann van Heerden made us all proud when he officially became a Guinness World Record holder. The Faculty of Education student gained his title for performing the longest stationary wheelie in his wheelchair. Volksblad, Beeld, The New Age, Ons Stad and SABC radio stations reported on his achievement.
� The Bloemfontein Courant and Ons Stad reported on Prof. Dennis Francis, Dean of our Faculty of Education, who was appointed as the Chairperson for the Education Deans Forum of South Africa.
� Our academics continue to be sought-after commentators, commenting on issues ranging from the ANC succession battle to the education situation in the country. Profs. Jonathan Jansen, Kwandiwe Kondlo, Hussein Solomon and Johan Willemse are some of the academics that gave our university coverage in media such as Beeld, Die Burger, Huisgenoot, Volksblad, City Press, etv Sunrise and derstandard.at
After a busy 2011 in which we celebrated achievements and gains and hosted icons,the spotlight is once again on our university. Just a few months into 2012 we boast a Guinness World Record holder, an African Union Science Award winner and a world renowned judge who can now call himself a Kovsie. The beginning of the new year also saw the welcoming of thousands of new first-year students, RAG and our university used as the venue for accreditation for the ANC Centenary celebrations in early January.
Spread the WORD...
By Amanda Tongha
1. Our South Campus was the venue for a state-like banquet during the ANC Centenary celebrations.
2. Thousands of first-year students arrived at our campuses in January.
3. Hermann van Heerden.
D ie nuutste Van Coller-avontuur is die toekenning van die EURIAS (European Institute for Advanced Studies)-beurs, sowel as die bekendstelling van sy Afrikaanse digbundel, Soom. Die beurs behels ’n tien-maande inwoning by die Vlaamse Akademiese Sentrum vir Wetenskappe en die Kunste (VLAC) in Brussels. Prof. Van Coller beskou dit as die geleentheid van ’n leeftyd en sien uit daarna om
saam met kenners in sy studieveld te werk. België voel al soos sy tweede tuiste en hy verlang wanneer hy nie daar is nie, amper soos ander Bloemfonteiners na hulle huisie by die see sal verlang. Intussen wag hy versigtig-opgewonde op die reaksie op sy bundel.
Dié verblyf in Brussels bied aan prof. Van Coller die geleentheid om te werk aan sy beoogde nuwe Nederlandse literatuurgeskiedenis. Daar sal dus nie tyd wees om sy geliefde speurverhale te lees of nuwe plekke op sy “moet-sien-lysie”, soos Ysland en die wynlande van Bulgarye en Kroasië, te besoek nie. Sy kompulsiewe nuuskierigheid oor sy grootste bron van inspirasie, mense, moet maar genoeg vermaak en afleiding te bied.
Prof. Van Coller begeer geen ander beroep nie en sal steeds vertaalwerk doen as hy eendag die boek moet toemaak op sy loopbaan-verhaal as akademikus. Sy laaste dag op kampus sal ’n dag van vriende groet en koffie-drink wees. Daarna kan hy dalk begin werk aan sy outobiografie wat, net soos sy uitmuntende loopbaan, sal eindig met “alles genade ...”
Prof. Hennie van Coller
Eendag het ’n B.A. Regte-student ’n aanstelling as assistent gekry by die Universiteit van die Witwatersrand se Departement Afrikaans. Deur die loop van daardie jaar het hy besef sy liefde vir hierdie taal, die taal waarin hy doen en droom, troef sy belangstelling in die regte … So het ’n lewenslange avontuur, gevul met intriges, prestasies en ’n skuinsglimlag oor die absurditeit van die universiteitslewe, vir professor Hennie van Coller van ons Departement Afrikaans en Nederlands, Duits en Frans begin.
Foto
: Anj
a Au
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pAlles genade…Deur Marésa Lotter
Prof. Hennie van Coller. 9
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By Leonie Bolleurs
T he newest addition to our Kovsie family, Justice Goldstone, made us all proud during his speech when he accepted his honorary degree in January. “I am deeply appreciative of the honour that has just
been bestowed upon me by this university. “Meeting the challenge of transforming our
society successfully is critical if we are to have a future of success and harmony in South Africa. That huge progress has been made, cannot be doubted. Where better to see those changes than at this institution?
“I must say it was with a tremendous feeling of upliftment and excitement that I was walking through the campus. To see the vibe; to see the mass of students of all colours and all backgrounds and from many countries was truly an inspiration, which will always live with me.
“The progress that has been made is not only impressive, but also I would suggest, presents the strongest evidence that transformation need not result in compromised standards.
“This university now takes its place as a leading university on our continent. Thank you very deeply and sincerely for honouring me. Thank you very much,” Justice Goldstone concluded.
even
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Photos: Johan Roux, Stephen Collett
Transformation need not result in compromised standards, says Justice Goldstone.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Dr Oprah Winfrey and now Justice Richard Goldstone are all Kovsies; just like us.
1. Justice Goldstone and Earl Coetzee from e-TV News.2. Prof. Johan Henning, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Justice
Goldstone.3. Annette Dubovsky and Justice Goldstone at the Faculty of Law's
Prestige Lecture.4. Magtild Thom Wium.
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Justice Richard Goldstone.
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5. Justice Goldstone and Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairpersone of the UFS Council.6. Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the university.7. Justice Goldstone and Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the university.8. From the left, front: Judge Ian van der Merwe, Justice Goldstone; back: Judge Faan Hancke,
Extraordinary Professor in our Department of Law of Procedure and Law of Evidence, and Judge Fritz Brand, Extraordinary Professor in our Department of Private Law.
9. Justice Goldstone and the late Me Winkie Direko, former Chancellor of the UFS, at his graduation ceremony.
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academic report cardac
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Aandmuzik Guest HouseAandmuzik offers 5 luxury en-suite double bedrooms and two family rooms with private entrances overlooking the garden and swimming pool.
Each room has a Microwave, Fridge (honesty bar), Air-conditioning, TV with DSTV.
A traditional continental English breakfast is served.
Secure undercover parking with electric gate and electronic fencing.
FacilitiesInternet, Fax & Photocopy facilities • Playground for children Tea & coffee facilities • Bar & lounge with fireplace Lapa, braai area and swimming pool • Credit card facilities
Contact: Stella Theron – 082 447 905318 Dreyer Street, Universitas
Walking distance from University & Vodacom park
About 60 kids aged from about one to six and dressed in threadbare clothes continued bravely with their daily routine. They coloured in, sang songs and played in the small, dilapidated building which serves as their school.
“It was very sad to see this,” said Chantal Pillay, one of the students assigned to this project. “Us adults were shivering with cold … How cold must it not have been for the children?”
The pre-school is housed in a corrugated iron shack. It is about the size of a large family room and is the only facility for pre-school children in the area.
“Part of our assignment at the pre-school was to do a needs analysis and determine how we can address that. We had to look at various physical, social, developmental and medical factors,” said Chantal. The students found the first and most urgent need was to secure premises where a proper, safe structure could be erected for Bokang Pre-school.
Dr Choice Makhetha, our Vice-Rector: External Relations, is currently involved in negotiations with the Free State Department of Education to secure a piece of vacant land owned by the department. Dr Makhetha also visited the pre-school early in February.
Although a new building is important for Bokang Pre-school, addressing their needs does not stop there. Another issue that Chantal points out is staff training in order for the teachers to obtain the necessary skills for teaching and taking care of small children, as well as a basic knowledge of nutrition and hygiene.
To Chantal and her group, this hands-on engagement with the Bokang Pre-school children was an enriching experience. “At the end of the day, we will be working in the community as medical practitioners. This helps us see and experience what it is like in the communities where we will be working,” she said.
UFS medical students enriching young lives
By René-Jean van der Berg
It was a cold winter’s day last year when a group of third-year medical students from our university arrived at the Bokang Pre-school in the Phase 2 section of the Bloemside township. These students were allocated a community service project at this pre-school as part of their curriculum.
Photos: Anja Aucamp
Third-year medical students from our university are now helping the Bokang Pre-school to secure a piece of vacant land on which to build a proper structure.
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Die Kovsie-familie was aangenaam verras toe ’n Kovsie-professor een oggend saam met president Jacob Zuma op ’n koerantvoorblad pryk toe sy ’n gesogte wetenskapstoekenning
ontvang.Vir prof. Maryke Labuschagne, ’n kenner in
planteteeltkunde aan ons universiteit se Fakulteit Natuur- en Landbouwetenskappe, was dit nie net die Afrika Unie se Kwame Nkrumah-wetenskapstoekenning vir Lewenswetenskappe wat sy ontvang het nie, maar dat sy vandag kan getuig hoe die geskiedenis verander.
“Die beste is die erkenning vir die verskil wat plantetelers in Afrika aan ander se lewens maak. By die toekennings was daar ’n geskiedkundige oomblik toe die nuwe presidente van Libië en Tunisië toesprake lewer na dekades van diktatorskap. Boonop was dit ook lekker om met oud-president Thabo Mbeki en president Jacob Zuma blad te skud.”
Prof. Maryke was self uit die veld geslaan met die aankondiging dat sy die toekenning ontvang het.
“Mens onderskat altyd jouself en jou prestasies,” sê prof. Maryke wie se werk en navorsing kos aan miljarde inwoners op die kontinent voorsien.
“Ek is bevoorreg om in ’n veld te werk wat voedselsekuriteit kan beïnvloed. Elke nuwe kultivar, maak ’n verskil aan voedselproduksie in Afrika. Ons almal saam en maak saam ’n verskil op die kontinent.”
Na so ’n gesogte toekenning kan ’n mens seker verwag dat ’n navorsers soos prof. Maryke en haar span navorsers bereik het wat hulle wou. Maar die veld is wyd en daar is nog baie werk wat voorlê.
“Ons wil ons werk in Afrika uitbrei om ons samewerking met internasionale navorsingsorganisasies te versterk en nog ander Afrika-lande en ander kontinente betrokke raak.”
Na die hele ervaring van internasionale erkenning en prysgeld van meer as R800 000, is dit vir prof. Maryke die lekkerste om van haar studente erkenning te kry.
“Ek het e-posse van oor die hele Afrika heen ontvang van oud studente. Dit gee ’n mens sommer ’n warm gevoel in die hart. In Addis Abeba waar ek vir die oorhandiging van die prys was, het van die studente my by die hotel kom haal met blomme, en my uitgeneem vir ete. Dit was baie spesiaal.” – René-Jean van der Berg
“Dit gee mens sommer ’n warm gevoel in die hart”
– Prof. Maryke Labuschagne
Foto: Hannes Pieterse
Prof. Maryke Labuschagne.
Heads up!By Cindé Greyling
Dr Nthabeleng Rammile is a lecturer in consumer behaviour and marketing as well as one of our Prestige Scholars. In 2013 she’ll be starting with brand management. You can find her in FGG 157 on our Bloemfontein Campus. Being an eternal student, she tells you how to keep your brain power going and keep your energy levels up. It is all about attitude …
And this I know for sure: If the challenges you face have not killed you by now, it means that God has allowed them into your life to help groom your character and to make you an instrument of hope and encouragement for those who are tempted to give up.
Dr Nthabeleng Rammile.
Photo: Anja Aucamp
My favourite “brain food” is fish, because it contains omega 3 fatty acids and it’s delicious.
To relax, I get a back, neck and foot massage from my husband!
The best advice I ever got was: Be teachable and you won’t stop growing.
The best advice I can give is to treat yourself the way you want others to treat you.
To recharge my batteries, I get on my treadmill.
I love my job because it enables me to reach my potential and make a positive contribution.
, Judge in the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), also brings her lady-like and stern presence to Kovsies. She was recently appointed as Extraordinary Professor at our Faculty of Law.
Justice Mokgoro explains that she enjoys both practice and academics, but that she prefers academia. “Not because it is more important, but rather because I am passionate about the development of legal ideas – and that is the reason I enjoyed serving on the bench in the Constitutional Court, developing constitutional jurisprudence and making far-reaching practical decisions through court orders. I am also equally passionate about and find fulfilment in people development. Teaching provides me with that sense of fulfilment.”
The most important lesson Justice Mokgoro would like to teach a law student would be firstly to inform himself or herself, but to keep an open mind and grow a real passion for justice. “In any task at hand, keep your focus relevant to the context and make a difference.”
is aan die einde van 2011 as Buitengewone Professor in ons Departement Straf- en Geneeskundige Reg aangestel. Hy is tans ’n praktiserende advokaat en lid van die Kaapse Balie.
Adv. Van den Heever sonder hoogtepunte in sy loopbaan uit as die publikasie van sy eerste akademiese boek oor geneeskundige reg, asook die tyd toe hy as waarnemende regter opgetree het. “Die regsberoep bied aan jou ’n geleentheid om ’n verskil in mense se lewens te maak,” sê hy. “Dit is veral bevredigend wanneer dit voel of jy ’n bydrae gemaak het om reg en geregtigheid te laat geskied.”
’n Regspraktisyn, verduidelik hy, moet altyd sy kliënt se beste belange dien. Daarom is die vermoë om sover as moontlik objektief te bly die een ding wat hy graag vir studente wil leer. “Dit is jou kliënt wat wen of verloor, nie jy nie.”
Adv Pat van den Heever.Justice Yvonne Mokgoro.
Nuwe bloed! Deur Cindé Greyling
Yvonne Mokgoro Advokaat Pat van den Heever
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‘During 2012, we would like to meet every woman at Kovsies – whether it’s at a teekan, a welcoming event for staff
members or during a Women’s Day event at our Women’s Memorial Garden. We want to listen to women on our campuses, irrespective of their job titles and job descriptions and have conversations about the values we share - and those we want to live by, taking men as partners.”
These were the powerful words of the Vice-Rector: External Relations, Dr Choice Makhetha, at the colourful launch of our university’s Women’s Programme, on Valentine’s Day.
It is not just our Bloemfontein Campus that is set to benefit from such conversations and programmes. The Qwaqwa Campus is set to celebrate its phenomenal women on 22 March 2012 and have a further discussion on 20 April 2012. Our South Campus’ celebration is scheduled for 26 April 2012.
The service staff of our university have a special day, 20 March 2012, set aside just for them. It will be a session organised in partnership with the Human Rights Commission and students. On 12 and13 April 2012, the programme will focus on Women in Higher Education.
All these events form part of a build-up to Women’s Month in August when every Friday of that month will be dedicated to specific groups of women. A special conversation is set to take place, led by some leading local and national women.
Celebrating women ... it begins with self-
affirmation!By Leonie Bolleurs
“The women need to own this programme,” said Dr Makhetha at the launch of the Women’s Programme.
Photos: Johan Roux
Correction: In the December issue of Dumela, Lihlumelo (Hlume) Toyana’s surname was spelled incorrectly – we apologise Hlume!
Transformers here to educate and create awareness
By Tarryn Nell
L ook out on our Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses for a dynamic and enthusiastic group of students called the Transformers. These youngsters are part of a new generation that chooses to say: “I have HIV knowledge, I know my status, I speak out freely, I care
for the infected and affected and I take responsibility for my own sexual health.”The Transformers, a peer education programme, aims to empower students to respond to
the HIV epidemic and to educate, influence and advocate on related matters. The programme is co-ordinated by our HIV and Aids office in the Health and Wellness Centre.
In March this year 32 newly appointed transformers from the two campuses received training at Kings’ Haven in Bloemfontein. The training was aimed at laying a foundation of HIV and Aids knowledge and creating dialogue on HIV- and Aids-related issues such as gender and sexuality. The training content ensured that the Transformers are well equipped to engage in meaningful conversations with their peers and to critically engage with the topic.
Transformers Lungi Mazibuko, Malenyalo Methuli, and Gene McCaskill shared the following as highlights of the training: “I was with people who did not judge me. This is going to be the best year ever!”, “Meeting the Bloemfontein students and realising that we are all the same” and “I was given the opportunity to clarify my values”. Refuoe Masooane, a senior Transformer, said: “Being a Transformer has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me.”
A group of dynamic and enthusiastic students from our Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses are speaking out about HIV prevention.
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They are our university’s research future achievers and they have a lot in
common: desire, dedication, discipline and determination. But that’s not all. They are
also young, black women who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, having grown
up in rural villages in Qwaqwa.
Phot
o: Th
abo
Kess
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Emerging UFS researchers can still manage a smile after a hard day’s work in the laboratories. They are from left to right Nthatisi Molefe, Puseletso Mofokeng and Motshabi Sibeko.
Hoe werk dit: PensionfondseHet jy al ooit na jou salarisstrokie gekyk en
gewonder waarvoor staan “Pensioen Opsie D”? Natuurlik weet jy wat pensioen beteken ... dink
jy. Maar opsie D? Depressie? Droefgeestig? Diefstal? Hoe sal jy nou weet? Dis dalk tyd dat jy uitvind!
Permanente personeellede van ons universiteit behoort aan een van vyf aftreefondse – die Voorsorgfonds of een van die Pensioenfonds se variasies wat as opsies A, B, C en D bekend staan. Opsies A, B en C is geslote opsies en hulle ledetalle word geleidelik minder. Tans het opsies A, B en C saam nog net meer as 300 lede, teenoor opsie D wat byna 1 000 lede het en die Voorsorgfonds se 800 lede.
Hoe verskil dit?
En noudat jy die verskille mooi verstaan ... Die regering wil dit graag verander sodat voorsorgfondse ook maandelikse pensioen sal betaal en dat belasting vir albei ook dieselfde bereken word. Moontlik reeds vanaf 1 Maart 2012. Nes jy dink jy’t dinge onder die knie ...
Ooreenkomste:
Hierdie bydraes, plus beleggingsinkomste minus koste (koste het te doen met die koste van versekeringspremies en die administrasiekoste van
Deur Cindé Greyling
die skema) word vir aftrede gespaar. Hoe laer die koste is, hoe groter sal die uiteindelike aftreevoordeel wees. Hoe langer ’n mens bydra, hoe groter sal die uiteindelike aftreevoordeel wees. Hoe groter die salaris waarteen bygedra word, hoe groter sal die aftreevoordeel wees. Lede van die Voorsorgfonds sowel as van opsies C en D van die Pensioenfonds kan kies hoe hulle voordele belê moet word. Hoe hoër die opbrengs op die beleggings, hoe groter sal hul uiteindelike aftreevoordeel wees. Hoë opbrengste loop egter van tyd tot tyd hand aan hand met ’n hoër
risiko vir kapitaalverlies of negatiewe opbrengste. Daarteenoor lyk beleggings in geldmarkfondse veiliger, maar dan loop jy die risiko dat die opbrengs te laag sal wees om ’n leefbare aftreevoordeel te voorsien. Lede kan kies tussen ’n langtermynportefeulje waarvan tot 75% in aandele belê word en wat dus ’n sogenaamde hoërisiko-portefeulje is, ’n stabiele portefeulje waarvan aansienlik minder in aandele belê word en ’n geldmarkfonds waarvan niks in aandele belê word nie en wat ’n sogenaamde “veilige” portefeulje is.
Researchers in the making By Thabo Kessah
Voorsorgfondse betaal nie 'n maandelikse inkomste by aftrede nie.
En belasting word bereken voordat die bydraes afgetrek word.
Pensioenfondse betaal maandelikse inkomste. En bydraes word van salaris afgetrek voordat belasting bereken word. Jy betaal dus minder belasting, en neem maandeliks meer geld huis toe.
Voorsorgfonds: Vastebydrae-fonds, lid 7.5% en werkgewer 15%
Pensioenfonds: Vastebydrae-fonds, lid 7.5% en werkgewer 15%
Wat jy kry:Voordele Voorsorgfonds Opsie D
Bedanking Regmatige aandeel plus oordragkrediet plus bykomende bydraes
Regmatige aandeel plus oordragkredietplus bykomende bydraes
Medies ongeskik voor aftrede Grootste van regmatige aandeel of 4x jaarlikse pensioengewende verdienste plus oordragkredietplus bykomende bydraes
75% van hoogste gemiddelde jaarlikse pensioengewende verdienste plus bydraes aan pensioenfonds tot ouderdom 60,dan aftreevoordele
Sterf voor aftrede Dieselfde as medies ongeskik Enkelbedrag 2x jaarlikse pensioengewende verdienste plus oordragkredietplus bykomende bydraesplus gadepensioen 40%plus kinderpensioen 10% per kind (maksimum 3 kinders)
Vroeë aftrede (55 jaar en ouer, maar nog nie 60)
Dieselfde as medies ongeskik Dieselfde as aftrede
Aftrede Dieselfde as mediesongeskik
Regmatige aandeel, maar maksimum 1/3 kontant. Moet met minstens 2/3 ’n maandelikse pensioen binne of buite die fonds koop.
Bydraes:
Lid 7,5% 7,5%
Werkgewer 15,0% 15,0%
M eet Nthatisi Molefe (21) whose long-term goal is to become “a useful parasitologist to benefit our livestock”. Nthatisi, a B.Sc. Honours student in veterinary parasitology specialising in nematology, describes herself as a humble, loving and caring person.
“Growing up, I wanted to become a doctor. But my interest shifted to blood and since I read that anthelmintic drugs used to treat internal parasites are now becoming less effective on parasitic worms, I focus on doing research with the hope of giving farmers knowledge about medicinal plants that are more affordable,” said soft-spoken Nthatisi
Twenty-three-year-old Motshabi Sibeko said the highlight of her career thus far was “presenting my master's work at the 11th International Conference on Frontiers of Polymers and Advanced Materials (ICFPAM) in Pretoria where the response was overwhelming.” Motshabi is a M.Sc. Student in Polymer Science. “This is a broad, but unknown field that I got to know about immediately after completing my first degree. Polymer science, in simple terms, means plastic science and application thereof on automobile parts, food packaging and so on,” she said. She is also determined to complete a Ph.D. “One’s background does not determine what you become in life, but it simply empowers you to achieve great things,” she said.
Puseletso Mofokeng (32) wanted to be a nurse growing up, but that changed with time. She is a Ph.D. (Polymer Science) student. “I am a determined person and this shows in the fact that I did not do science subjects at school. I only started doing science at university. I love what I am doing now because it deals with daily applications and innovations that never leave me bored. It also enables me to see the world. I have had overseas research trips to Italy and Hungary respectively and I have authored and co-authored five publications to date,” she said.
These stars from our university are bound to shine brightly given the enabling environment the university is affording them. We are certain to hear more about them in the research world of scientific innovation. 15
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Ben OppermanSenior Finansiële Beplanner051 407 8156082 457 [email protected]
Spaar & Beleggings I Persoonlike Dekking I Aftrede I Gesondheid I Opvoeding I Korttermyn-versekering I Testamente & trusts
www.sanlam.co.zaGELISENSIEERDE FINANSIËLE DIENSTEVERSKAFFER
Jy soek gemoedsrus. Die gerusstelling dat selfs as iets met jousou gebeur, jou gesin steeds die beste sal kry wat die lewe bied.En selfs al kan jy nie langer werk nie, sal daar vir ’n inkomstegesorg word.Beplan dit só met ’n Persoonlike Dekking-oplossing van Sanlam.• Jou dekking bly dieselfde, al verander jou lewenstyl.
• Buigsame opsies – kies slegs die dekking wat jy benodig.
• Een van die bedryf se mees standhoudende eise-uitbetalers.
Bel my vir deskundige advies indien nodig.Begin met dit waarvoor jy hoop.
Dit kan jy wees‘daardie slim ouwat weet waaroordit gaan’.
Fast, Faster, Fastest!By Ruan Bruwer
Although he only took athletics seriously from 2010, Wayde van Niekerk, one of our first-year students, needed just over a year to become the South African junior record holder in the 100 and 200m events.
Now, only two years after he decided to concentrate on sprinting, Wayde is aiming to qualify for the Olympic Games in the 200m. The qualifying standard is 20.55 and he is not too far off with a best time of 20.57. Wayde matriculated from Grey College last year.
Deciding on a tertiary institution was easy for him. He is doing an extended course in B.A. Marketing. “My parents, who play a huge role in my athletics career, as well as my coach (Elinda Vorster, a former Springbok sprinter) are here in Bloemfontein. I’m glad I made the choice and I’m enjoying the campus life.” Wayde is staying with his parents but is interacting with Armentum.
Both his parents were keen athletes and introduced him to the sport at a young age. He participated in a number of sports and showed promise as a high jumper. “Sprinting chose itself as my preferred sport. Things started happening when I got myself a coach and when I took running seriously,” he said. In the same year, he finished fourth in the 200m at the World Junior Championships in Canada.
“I would like to go big with the athletics and one day combine it with the business world, perhaps starting something new.” For now his focus is purely on qualifying for the London Olympics. He has until 30 June to achieve that.
As jy nog altyd gedink het die Vrystaat het net mielies en rugbyspelers ... moes jy vanjaar se eerstejaarsgala bygewoon het. Dit was goed en lekker!
Kovsies se swemspan, die Aquatics, is besig om vinnig te groei. Verlede jaar het ons swemspan begin met drie studente, en later gegroei tot ’n totaal van tien swemmers. Vanjaar skop ons sommer die swemseisoen af met ’n span van 20, waarvan ongeveer die helfte eerstejaars is. Dié swemmers word deur Marco Markgraaff afgerig.
Karen Venter van KovsieSport is baie opgewonde hieroor, want sy het vanjaar groot planne vir swem. Met die eerstejaarswemgala het baie swemtalent na vore gekom. Karen is stelselmatig besig om met die hulp van die koshuise se huiskomitees hierdie swemmers op te spoor.
Buiten vir ons swemspan en die waterpolospan, wat weer aan kampioenskappe gaan begin deelneem noudat die swembad met die nodige toerusting toegerus is, wil Karen ook ’n dames-waterpolospan saamstel.
“Met ’n gedugte waterpolospan – baie van ons eerstejaars is swemmers van Grey Kollege se waterpolospan – wil ons graag vanjaar aan die Universiteit Sport Suid-Afrika (USSA)-kampioenskap gaan deelneem.
“My visie vir swem is om, nadat ons verlede jaar die damesafdeling by USSA gewen het, swem in die geheel te wen, insluitende die damespan, die manspan en ons waterpolospanne.” – Leonie Bolleurs
Kovsies laat spat!
Photo supplied.
Wayde van Niekerk (middle) racing in the 200m at the World Junior Championships in Canada in 2010 where he finished fourth.
Tydens ’n geesbelaaide geleentheid het ons eerstejaars dit nie net uitgespook vir die geesbeker nie, maar ook gewys watter swemtalent daar onder hulle is.
Foto's: Johan Roux
European scientists visit Chemistry at the Qwaqwa Campus
By Prof. Riaan Luyt
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To many, the Gateway programme is still an unfamiliar concept, but this year’s version once again proved to be a huge success. Besides being excited about studying, many first-years are unsure about and
uncomfortable in a higher learning environment. Still in its infancy, the Gateway First-years
College was established to ease the adjustment to university life, provide expert advice and help establish new support networks. Beefing up basic skills and knowledge, along with access to valuable information on our university’s activities and organisations, ensured that the 2012 Gateway was a
huge success. Every new student was fully geared up to successfully complete the remainder of his or her studies as a proud Kovsie.
“The first few weeks at university are the most important for a first-year as this is the time that prepares them for the rest of their studies. During these weeks, they will learn life changing skills. An adjustment programme such as the Gateway First-years College is the perfect structure designed around equipping students with the necessary skills to achieve academic excellence and holistic wellness,” said Cornelia Faassen, programme manager for the college.
Dit sal egter nie maklik gebeur nie, met drie puik jong spelers wat die span in 2012 sal versterk. Kovsies moet
in Julie sy titel as voorste universiteitspan verdedig. Die span het op verlede jaar se Suid-Afrikaanse Universiteite-toernooi met Tukkies in die eindstryd klaargespeel.
Met die uitsondering van drie spelers van daardie span, is almal weer vanjaar verkiesbaar. Ofskoon die netbalklub een van sy voorste spelers van verlede jaar – Anja Opperman – verloor het, maak drie nuwelinge die afrigter Burta de Kock (van KovsieSport) baie opgewonde.
Bronte Hendricks (senter/aanvallende vleuel), Danelle Willemse (doel) en Busisiwe Matutu (verdediger) is al drie verlede jaar vir die Nasionale Skolespan gekies. Danelle staan ’n hele 1,9 m in haar sokkies, wat verdedigers wat haar gooie gaan probeer keer nagmerries sal besorg.
Monique Lemon, ’n uitstekende senter wat met junior Protea-kleure spog, is weer topfiks nadat sy die hele 2011-seisoen weens ’n beseerde knieligament misgeloop het.
In die Nasionale Universiteitespan se oefengroep van 15 (dit moet nog na 12 gesny word) veg vyf Kovsies – Karla Mostert, Anja Zandberg, Iselma Parkin, Maryka Holtzhausen en Danique du Toit – nog om ’n plek in dié span, wat in Julie aan die Wêreldbeker vir Universiteite sal deelneem.
Oor doelwitte vir die jaar sê Burta, wat in 2003 Kovsies se eerste heeltydse afrigter geword het, sy hoop die spelers se liefde vir netbal sal nie flouer brand weens ’n gebrek aan speelgeleenthede nie.
The Gateway First-years College is all about helping first-years through their first weeks of varsity life. During the sessions of the Gateway First-years College, students are equipped with skills to be able to achieve academic excellence and holistic wellness.
Gateway First-years College … gateway to a new worldBy René-Jean van der Berg
The new adjustment programme offered to first-year Kovsies on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses assists students to settle comfortably into a routine of academic and student life.
Danique du Toit.
Netbal mik hoogDeur Ruan Bruwer
Die Kovsie-netbalspan kan vanjaar weer oudergewoonte ’n hewige aanslag van ander universiteitspanne verwag wat hom van sy kroon sal wil probeer ontneem.
T he Polymer Research Group in the Department of Chemistry at the Qwaqwa Campus was visited by six European scientists. The visits were part of international collaborative
projects (funded by the National Research Foundation) between Prof. Riaan Luyt, head of the Department of Chemistry on the Qwaqwa Campus, and research groups in Italy, Sicily, Germany and Slovakia.
The first visitors were Dr Jürgen Pionteck and a Ph.D. student from the Institute of Polymer Research
in Dresden, Germany. Shale Sefadi, one of Prof. Luyt’s Ph.D. students, spent 30 days at the Institute in Dresden.
Proff. Eugenio Caponetti and Delia Martino from the University of Palermo in Sicily, as well as Marian Valentino from the Polymer Institute at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, also visited the Qwaqwa Campus. Prof. Luyt and Ph.D. student Tshwafo Motaung visited the University of Palermo during
2011. The visitors also took part in a seminar that focused on topics ranging from the modification of the electrical properties of polymers to the characterisation of heterogeneous polymer systems as well as plasma treatment of polymeric materials.
The last visitor to arrive was Davide Morselli, a Ph.D. student of Prof. Massimo Messori from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy. He did research in Prof. Luyt’s laboratories.
European scientists visit Chemistry at the Qwaqwa Campus
By Prof. Riaan Luyt
European scientists on their visit to the Qwaqwa Campus are, from the left: Marian Valentin, Dr Jürgen Pionteck, Francesco Piana, Prof. Marian Valentino, Prof. Riaan Luyt and Prof. Eugenio Caponetti.
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Cathy de LangeWeeksdae werk sy by ons universiteit, naweke
is sy radio-omroeper en tussendeur tree sy as seremoniemeester op. Cathy de Lange, ’n administratiewe beampte by ons Departement Politieke Studie en Regeerkunde, is ’n baie besige vrou.
Dié “Jane of all trades”, soos sy na haarself verwys, is elke Sondag van 9:00 tot 13:00 op die lug by Radio Rosestad. Om met duisende mense te praat sonder om ’n gesig te sien kan nogal senutergend wees. “Aan die begin was dit baie vreemd. Dit het gevoel of niemand jou regtig hoor nie en jy praat maar net met die mikrofoon alleen in die ateljee.”
Vir baie jare was radio net ’n droom. In Augustus verlede jaar het Cathy ’n demo by Radio Rosestad gaan afgee. Nie lank daarna nie is een van die omroepers onverwags oorsee en met slegs vier dae se opleiding moes sy haar eerste solo-program aanbied.
Soos enige radio-omroeper sal vertel, kom dié werk met flaters. Op haar derde dag in die ateljee, terwyl sy die ses-uur-nuus lees, skuur haar skoen teen die leerstoel waarop sy sit. Niks groots nie ... maar op die lug het dit geklink asof sy ’n windjie gelaat het. “Ek moes daardie dag alles inspan om die nuus te lees sonder om te begin lag.”
Lekker oomblikke is wanneer sy ’n mooi SMS of boodskap van ’n luisteraar kry. “Ek het nou die dag een gekry van ’n outjie wat by sy ouma en oupa op Brandfort kuier. Hy is van Pretoria en het vir my ’n SMS gestuur wat sê: ‘Ek wens Tannie kan in Pretoria uitsaai, want Tannie is die beste!’” - Amanda Thonga
Susan LombaardSusan Lombaard praat met haar hande. Letterlik. Sy
was een van die eerste twee Gebaretaaltolke wat in Suid-Afrika opgelei is. Deesdae is sy die Bestuurder van ons universiteit se Eenheid vir Taalfasilitering en Bemagtiging (ETFB). Haar meestersgraad in taalstudie handel oor die vertaling van die Bybel in Suid-Afrikaanse Gebaretaal (in DVD-formaat).
En nou is haar studie besig om ’n werklikheid te word. “Verskeie organisasies in Suid-Afrika en ook ander lande vat tans hande om die Bybel in Suid-Afrikaanse Gebaretaal te vertaal,” vertel Susan. “Maar die projek is nog in sy kinderskoene.” Dit vind onder leiding van Talking Hands, A ministry to the Deaf en Wycliffe SA plaas.
Hoekom al die moeite doen? sou baie mense dalk vra. Dowes kan mos lees. Maar min mense besef dat enige geskrewe taal Dowes se tweede taal is. Waar horende mense in woorde dink, dink Dowes in Gebaretaal – hulle droom ook in Gebaretaal!
’n Eenvoudig sin soos: “Ek was in die kerk,” kan misverstande veroorsaak. As Afrikaans jou moedertaal is, weet jy “was” verwys na die verlede tyd. Maar ’n dowe persoon wat die sin in Gebaretaal moet sien om dit te verstaan, sien dalk “was” as “bad” of “kerswas”. Kyk ook hoeveel verskil die volgende sin in Afrikaans en Gebaretaal:
Afrikaans: Gister was ons winkel toe om brood te koop.
Gebaretaal: Gister ons winkel gaan brood koop.Daar bestaan ook nie ’n woordeboek vir
Gebaretaal nie, so wanneer ’n dowe persoon ’n woord sien wat hy nie verstaan nie, kan hy dit nie gaan opsoek nie.
Susan het jare gelede as maatskaplike werker dienste aan die Dowe gemeenskap gelewer en so Gebaretaal geleer. “Baie mense dink Gebaretaal is ’n universele taal, maar dit is nie. Elke land het sy eie gebaretaal, maar daar bestaan nie Afrikaans-, Engels- of Sotho-gebaretaal nie,” verduidelik sy. “Daarom kan ek sonder enige kommunikasieprobleme met ’n dowe van enige kultuur gesels.”
Gebaretaal is ’n visuele taal, verduidelik Susan, wat alles kan weergee, van grappe, stories en humor tot tegniese inligting. ’n Bybel in Gebaretaal moes eintlik lankal beskikbaar gewees het ... – Cindé Greyling
Prof. Pieter DuvenageProf. Pieter Duvenage is sedert Oktober verlede
jaar die nuwe Hoof van ons Departement Filosofie. En al het hy nie lang hare en vreemde gewoontes nie, bedink hy dinge dat die rook trek!
“Ek dink onder meer oor my plek in die kosmos, die verhouding tussen individu en gemeenskap, mag en weerloosheid, die wisselwerking tussen die besondere en die universele – veral binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks,” gesels prof. Pieter. Vriendelik en sonder aansit.
Hy is veral opgewonde daaroor dat hy sy passie as ’n beroep kan beoefen. Maar dit was beslis nie waaroor hy kleintyd gedroom het nie. “Nee,” verduidelik hy, “ek wou soos baie seuntjies graag ’n brandweerman word!” Vandag noem hy homself ’n dosent en student in filosofie.
Prof. Pieter steur hom nie veel aan die algemene beeld van filosowe nie. “Vir my gaan dit nie oor die lengte van die hare of malheid nie, maar die gehalte van wat iemand sê, skryf of doen. Dit is so dat filosowe soms skuldig is aan onduidelike formulering, maar soms is mense ook onwillig om ’n bietjie verder te dink.”
Filosofie se plek in die wêreld, meen prof. Pieter, is om ongemaklike vrae op ’n gemaklike wyse te stel – en om op die onverwagse bedag te wees. “Om goed te kan dink, skryf, praat en handel is nodig in enige beroep – jy kan nie daarsonder lewe nie.” Daarom het prof. Pieter groot planne vir sy departement. “Ek sou graag die Departement Filosofie op so ’n wyse wil dien en uitbou dat dit ’n ruimte vir grondige denke en interdissiplinêre debat op kampus (en wyer) kan wees.”
Sy gunsteling-aanhaling is van Sokrates: “Al wat ek weet, is dat ek nie weet nie.” En ook Aristoteles: “Human beings began to do philosophy ... even as they do now, because of wonder, at first because they wondered about the strange things right in front of them, and then later, advancing little by little, because they came to find greater things puzzling.” – Cindé Greyling
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tell us about it …Of jy nou met jou hande praat of oor ’n mikrofoon, Susan Lombaard en Cathy de Lange vertel ons hoe hulle dit doen. En iemand wat minder praat en meer filosofeer, is prof. Pieter Duvenage, vars aangestel in ons Departement Filosofie. Hulle vertel vir Amanda Thonga en Cindé Greyling hoe hulle hul passie as beroep beoefen.
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Dean of Students, Rudi Buys, said that the kitchen and dining room of any household are the faces of that family and reflect the mood
of the family. “It’s where we spend much of our time and if they are not in good condition, that would show in our daily activities, irrespective of where we are,’ said Rudi.
Qwaqwa Campus Principal Dr Elias Malete said that the improvements would go a very long way to making life easier on campus. “This colourful dining hall was renovated to the tune of R2,9 million and now boasts three serving points, enough space to socialise and enjoy a meal as well as five serving tills. It also has a very attractive entrance with trees in the courtyard,” he said.
Selloane Phoofolo, a social worker from our Health and Wellness Centre, said: “Students fell in love with it when they first saw it on Facebook. I wish the staff cafeteria could also be that colourful.”
Meanwhile, the campus has improved its bandwidth from eight megabytes per second to 300 megabytes per second. According to staff, this could be a sign of better things to come for this picturesque Eastern Free State campus. “I am excited about the new bandwidth and I believe it is a move in the
right direction as it portrays an image of a university that is committed to improved quality of teaching, learning and research,” said an excited Mudavanhu, a Computer Science lecturer and subject co-ordinator.
Pamela Peyper, faculty officer of Economic and Management Sciences, concurred: “Working on PeopleSoft is much more enjoyable and most importantly, faster as the system does not ‘dip out’ as it used to.”
Robert Alfonsi from our Department of Computer Science and Informatics, said: “I can now download scientific papers for my research without having to wait for hours.”
More improvements are envisaged for 2012 … Watch this space!
Life much faster on Qwaqwa Campus with improved bandwidth By Thabo Kessah
Qwaqwa Campus recently launched a revamped dining hall that was closed for business in the last quarter of 2011 for renovations that form part of the multi-million rand revitalisation plan. The plan is aimed at improving the campus as far as physical resources and academic programmes are concerned.
Getting to know …By Cindé Greyling … your colleagues. So that next time, you can
put more than just a name to a face!
M arcus Ingram is the Assistant Director for Quality Enhancement and Academic Planning in our Main Building.
The scariest thing I ever did … was when I considered letting fear and geography prevent me from pursuing and eventually proposing to my life partner.
I would never, ever take a bite of … mmm … I’ve seen enough of Fear Factor to know that if the rewards are compelling enough to contextualise perceived consequences (like illness or puking), eating at least a bite of most inconceivable things is possible.
I secretly admire … those who are differently-abled, for I am reminded of the miracle of humanity in all its beauty, complexity and resilience.
My last holiday was at … Centurion Park in Pretoria for SA vs. Sri Lanka and it was delicious. I don’t like cricket, I love it!
If I’m ever on a sinking ship, I’ll be the one … wondering how I was convinced to return to a vessel that, with the help of an unexpected storm, had the potential of taking my life once before.
Please don’t … miss the reflection because the size, shape, orientation or shade seems different.
My take: Many thanks to those of you who have genuinely welcomed me to the University of the Free State from across the Atlantic.
A ngela de Jesus is the curator of the UFS Galleries and project manager of the Sculpture-on-Campus project. You can find her at the
Johannes Stegmann Art Gallery in the Sasol Library.
The scariest thing I ever did … was white river rafting.
I would never, ever take a bite of … anything with six legs.
I secretly admire … no telling! If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.
My last holiday was at … Wilderness and it was my honeymoon.
Please don’t … print this!
My take: “Art is an effort to create ... a more human world.” – Andre Maurois
Marcus Ingram.
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Angela de Jesus.
1. Qwaqwa Campus SRC President, Bongani Ngcanga (left), moments after officially opening the doors of the newly-revamped dining hall with the Dean of Student Affairs, Rudi Buys.
2. Selloane Phoofolo (middle) loves the bright and beautiful colours of the new dining hall and could not hide her joy at its official opening. With her are Rev Hosiah Nkoana, Deputy Director: Housing and Residence Affairs, and Lineo Mafereka, Marketing.
3. Assistant Campus Principal: Administration Teboho Manchu (right), sharing a joke with the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Pumelele Mgolombane (middle) and Bloemfontein SRC Treasurer, Werner Pretorius (left), after enjoying a meal in the new dining hall.
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a seven-month-old female chimpanzee named Gua. He and his wife then proceeded to raise her as if she was human, treating her exactly the same as their ten-month-old son Donald. Donald and Gua played and were fed together. One test was the Suspended Cookie Test, in which the Kelloggs timed how long it took their “children” to reach a cookie suspended by a string in the middle of the room. Gua regularly performed better than Donald. In terms of language acquisition Gua was a disappointment – the ability to speak eluded her. Disturbingly, it also seemed to be eluding Donald. Nine months later Donald’s language skills weren’t much better than Gua’s. One day when he indicated he was hungry by imitating Gua’s “food bark”, the Kelloggs decided the experiment had gone far enough!
Experiments with electronics? In 1963 Yale researcher Jose Delgado stood in a bullring in Cordova, Spain, with a large, angry bull. The animal began to charge. Delgado appeared defenceless, but when the bull was a mere six feet away, Delgado pressed a button on a remote control unit in his hand, sending a signal to a chip implanted in the bull’s brain. Abruptly, the animal stopped in its tracks. It huffed and puffed a few times, and then walked away docilely. Delgado’s experiment with his “stimoceiver” could produce a wide variety of effects, like involuntary movement of limbs or the eliciting of emotions such as love or rage. Enigiemand wat die toepassingswaarde hiervan op militêre of politieke gebied raaksien? “Stop that bull in the China shop!”
Dis nie al nie! In 1954 the Russian Vladimir Demikhov unveiled his two-headed dogs! The
race was on. The American government began funding Robert White, who embarked on a series of experimental surgeries in his Brain Research Centre in Cleveland, Ohio, resulting in the world’s first successful monkey-head transplant on 14 March 1970. After four hours, White separated the monkey’s head from its body and reattached it to a new body. When the monkey woke up and found that its body had been switched for a new one, it angrily tracked White with its eyes and snapped at him with its teeth. White noted that, from a surgical point of view, it would have been easier to put the monkey’s head on backwards. The public was appalled, but Craig Vetovitz volunteered to be the first human to undergo the procedure. Luckily White was stopped before he tried this experiment.
Mommy says I’m the biggest liar in the world – she just pronounces “liar” differently! So I took my revenge and dared her to watch how poor Orga, a dog that was dead for 15 minutes, was revived by Russian scientists in 1936. Bultjie must warn that this experiment might be a bit shocking for colleagues not working in medical departments, but it has a happy ending with not one, but three happy dogs jumping about happily after revival. Don’t believe me? Check this out on: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4894196323956293980&q=Experiments+in+the+Revival+of+Orga#
I wonder if a combination of the above experiments would not help to get some students who study seven years for a three-year degree to graduate in a shorter time …
Liefde van eksperiment tot eksperiment!Bultjie
Tweekop-honde en ander streke
Adre
spla
kker
Sommer so met die afskop van die jaar het die Nagraadse Skool, wat nagraadse studieleiding gaan bevorder, reeds hulle eerste sessie gehad. Dankie, prof. Annette Wilkinson en span! Nou
suffer almal saam met die eerste probeerslag. Bultjie onthou sy eie lyding as hy aan sy
studieleier se “leiding” in die tagtigerjare terugdink. Dit het min of meer só verloop:
“Nou waaroor wil jy skryf?” “Professor, ek het gedink aan … uh …” (en dan
gee jy die slimklinkende en imponerende titel).“Nou goed,” sê hy dan. “Ek wil die hele
verhandeling oor ’n jaar en ’n half op my tafel hê.” Dit was die laaste sien van die blikkantien.
Ná ’n jaar en ’n half van alleen swoeg sit ek oorkant hom. Hy maak die verhandeling oop – ek sien die magtige swaard van sy rooi pen het sy werk gedoen! “ Ek het probeer kop en stert uitmaak van die ding en ’n paar notas gemaak. Loop doen dit oor en skryf soos ’n gewone mens sodat ek en die eksaminatore dit kan verstaan. Sien jou oor ses maande!” In die gang sê jy vir jouself: “Eina!” Jy spreek “eina” net heeltemal anders uit!
Vind julle ook sommige navorsingstitels totaal bisar? Hier volg drie ware eksperimente uit die verlede. Julle ken die storie van mense wat as kind deur diere grootgemaak is en dan soos diere reageer? Nou ja!
The psychologist Winthrop Kellogg wondered what would happen if the situation was reversed: What if humans raised an animal as a human? Would it eventually act like a human? In 1931 Kellogg bought
P rof. Alan Bennie and Prof. Chris du Preez from our Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences were awarded the prestigious Soil Science Society of South Africa (SSSSA) Gold Medal at a congress in Potchefstroom for their outstanding
scientific contributions to soil science in South Africa. It was a combined congress of the South African
Society of Crop Production, the Soil Science Society of South Africa and the Southern African Weed Science Society.
Prof. Bennie was recognised for his contributions to science locally and internationally. He has participated in research and study visits to countries in North and South America, Europe and West and Southern Africa.
Prof. Du Preez participated in study opportunities in North and South America, the West Indies Islands, Europe, China and on the African Continent in North, West, Central and Southern Africa. – Leatitia Pienaar
Phot
o: A
nja
Auca
mp Two academics honoured for
contributions to soil science
Prof. Alan Bennie and Prof. Chris du Preez.
I will have to get up earlier for parking ... or I will have to ask for an
afdakkie.
20
vir oulaas...
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